Worship That Matters

In his best-selling book entitled The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren makes the following simple, yet deeply profound statement: “You were planned for God’s pleasure.” He goes on to say that the way we bring pleasure to God is through our worship. The challenge, though, is that for many people today, worship is often understood as a certain part of a church service that is called “the worship.” In such churches, people usually expect a few introductory “praise songs” which are rather upbeat, loud, and exciting, while “the worship time” is usually comprised of slow, rather subdued or quiet songs that direct one’s attention to the Lord. And yet, as Warren points out in his book, “worship is far more than these expressions. Worship is a lifestyle.”

Perhaps Jesus had “worship as a lifestyle” in mind when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. You will remember Him saying to her, “But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants” (Jn. 4:23, GNB). What is the worship the Father wants? Well, simply stated, He wants all of you! This is the worship that really matters! God is after all of you and me, not simply the singing of “worship songs.” The apostle Paul had it right when he said that we are to offer ourselves “as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom. 12:1, NIV, italics added). Paul’s point is that when we give ourselves to God in absolute surrender – in total abandonment – then, and only then, do we experience the blessing of giving worship that pleases the Father.

Here we find the heart of worship: Surrender! In this way, worship becomes a way of life, for complete surrender is a lifestyle, not just a one time offering of ourselves. We are meant to see that every activity in this life can be transformed into an act of worship that brings pleasure to God. The apostle Paul said, “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31, NLT). And so, when I rise in the morning – I worship! When I am preparing my breakfast – I worship! When driving to work – I worship! When giving of myself in my daily labour – I worship! When coming home at night – I worship! When spending the evening with family or friends – I worship! Life is all about worship, for life, in its essence, is all about living to please and honour the Lord.